U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Delbert Hagan
Delbert Hagan was born on Feb. 17, 1932 at Burlington, Colo. He was the third of five children born to Roy and Florence Cole Hagan. The family lived in different communities in southwest Nebraska settling northeast of Grant, Neb. Delbert started high school in Grant but broke his leg in football practice as a freshman and quit school.
Delbert joined the United States Air Force in 1949 and served in Korea and Japan. He reached the rank of staff sergeant and served as a diesel mechanics instructor before his discharge in 1958.
Delbert was married to Betty Callen at Goodland, Kan., on March 17, 1951. After his discharge from the Air Force, the family lived in different communities in Kansas and Colorado until 1963 when they moved to Sutherland, Neb. While in Sutherland, Delbert drove a truck for Fleecs Brothers Trucking. In 1972 Delbert and Betty moved to the Hagan farmstead northeast of Grant where they lived for six years. In 1978 they moved to a farm southwest of Elsie, Neb., where Delbert did some farming in addition to his trucking. He established his own trucking business and was later joined by his son, Jim. Delbert and Betty moved into Elsie in 1996. Betty died in 2001 and after Jim's death in 2003, he moved to Tryon, Neb., to be closer to his daughter's family. Delbert had developed a malignancy and had been moved to the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., where he died early Wednesday morning, March 2, 2005. He had reached the age of 73.
Delbert was a longtime member of the Elsie American Legion, later transferring his membership to Tryon. He was a member of the Grant V.F.W. Delbert had a special interest in rodeo-watching, talking and participating when he was a younger man. Delbert enjoyed his years of over the road truck driving and the friends he met. He hauled a lot of corn and wheat for local farmers and had established many friends with the ranchers in the sandhills when he hauled cottonseed cubes up from Texas.
In addition to his parents, wife and son, Delbert was preceded in death by one brother, Don; and two sisters-in-law, Ruth and Peggy Hagan.
He is survived by his daughter, Judy and husband Gary Connell of Tryon; his daughter-in-law, Kathy Hagan, of Elsie; four grandchildren, Tara and husband Tyson Foster, Erin Connell, Shelley and Shaun Hagan; two brothers, Dale and wife Bertha Hagan of Imperial, Neb., and Darrell and wife Helen Hagan of rural Madrid, Neb.; one sister, Dortha and husband Ray Blomenkamp of Gering, Neb.; other relatives and friends.
Services were held Saturday, March 5, 2005, at the Elsie United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Haden officiating. Music was provided by organist Carol Robertson and soloist Lynn Flaming.
Casket bearers were John Lovenburg, Bruce Hagan, Don Hagan, Neal Blomenkamp, Doug Curtis, Larry Hagan, Mike Hagan, Ron Hagan.
Interment was in the Madrid Cemetery with flag presentation by the Elsie American Legion.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Vern Rezac
Vern Rezac, age 75, died Sunday afternoon, March 6, 2005, at home.
Vigil service is Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Thursday (today) at the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Grant.
Naomi Mailand
Naomi Mailand was born on Dec. 28, 1928 in Keith County, Neb. She was the third of 12 children born to Fred and Enola Smith Gordon. Naomi grew up in Keith County and she attended elementary school in Roscoe. Naomi attended high school in Ogallala and graduated with the senior class of 1946. (She was currently ser-ving as the treasurer for her class alumni reunions.)
Naomi received normal training while in high school and she taught country schools southeast of Ogallala and south of Paxton for three years.
Naomi was married to Vernon Mailand on June 5, 1949 at the Trinity Lutheran Church north of Grant in Perkins County, Neb. Vern and Naomi lived on two different farms north of Grant where they raised their family. Naomi worked as a waitress at the Ogallala Holiday Inn and the Union 76 Truck Plaza. She also worked as a clerk for J. C. Penney.
They retired from the farm in 2001 and moved into Grant. Naomi enjoyed living in town and was an active participant at the Perkins County Senior Center. Naomi was watching television at home Wednesday evening, March 2, 2005 when she peacefully died in her chair. She had reached the age of 76.
Naomi was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. She also enjoyed working on and solving differed word puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Eileen.
Naomi is survived by her husband, Vern; two daughters, Sheryn and husband Don Roehrs of North Platte, Neb. and Kathy and husband Mark Hueftle of Holdrege, Neb.; two sons John and wife Jane of Douglas, Neb., and Steven and wife Kathy of rural Grant; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; six sisters, Pauline Arm-knecht of North Platte, Evelyn and husband LaVern Frosh of Paxton, Darlene and husband Dale Elder of Aurora, Neb., Shirley and husband Ron Ziegler of Ogallala, Joan and husband Jerry Perlinger of North Platte, and Marilyn and husband Roger Dahlkoetter of Roscoe; four brothers, John and wife Janette Gordon of Zephyrhills, Fla., Alfred and Clifford and wife Marie, all of North Platte, and Darrell and wife Donna of Roscoe; many other relatives and friends.
Services were Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Wayne Pick officiating.
Music was by organist Sandy Glenn.
Casket bearers were Matt Roehrs, Brian Roehrs, Aaron Hueftle, Ben Mailand, Micah Mailand, Jeff Linsenmeyer and Dave Sack.
Interment was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Ardell "Swede" Johnson
Ardell F. "Swede" Johnson, age 89 of Ogallala, Neb., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005 at the Ogallala Community Hospital.
He was born Aug. 21, 1915 in Bertrand, Neb., the son of Emil and Judith (Isaacson) Johnson. He married Genevieve "Jean" Vlasin on April 19, 1941 in Elsie, Neb.
Swede was a longtime farmer in the Madrid area. He started to farm in 1939 and continued his endeavor until 1972 when he moved to McCook, Neb., where he owned and operated a marina at Red Willow Reservoir until 1980 when he retired and moved to Ogallala.
His hobbies included woodworking, fishing and gardening. He spent many years involved in his children's school activities and sporting events. He was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Gene-vieve "Jean" Johnson of Ogallala; 11 children, Bernard and wife Patricia Johnson of Kearney, Neb., Leonard and wife Marietta Johnson of Ogallala, Jennette and husband Jules Hoschouer of Julesburg, Colo., Patricia McCormick of Ogallala, Eileen and husband Charles Culek of Kimball, Neb., Dennis and wife Rexene Johnson of LeGrand, Iowa, Donald Johnson of Ogallala, Robert and wife Cyndi Johnson of Ogallala, Carolyn Johnson and Linda Delano of Phoenix, Ariz., Tony and wife Ronda Johnson of Ogallala, Lynette and husband Albert Paquet of Windsor, Colo.; three sisters, Ailene Stewart of LaCanada, Calif., Dorothy and husband Dean Milner of Imperial, Neb., Adelay Bassler of Tehachapi, Calif.; two brothers, Donald Johnson of Tehachapi, Calif., Forrest and wife Jewel Johnson of Gothenburg, Neb.; 27 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Eugene, Virgil, Nieven and Reuben Johnson; and five sisters, Arminda Johnson, Rhoda Seay, Lorena Kennicutt, Dora Sass and Ruby Walker.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, Feb. 18, 2005 at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Father John Schalf as celebrant. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Rosary was recited on Thursday, Feb. 17, at St. Luke's Catholic Church.
Gubser Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Bob Cooper
Bob Cooper was born on Nov. 4, 1922 at Albion, Neb. He was the third of seven children born to Arthur and Mae Moore Cooper. Bob grew up at St. Edward, Neb., where he attended school, graduating with the class of 1940.
After high school he started college at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln but quit after his first semester to join the service when the United States became involved in World War II. Because of a boyhood injury to his arm, Bob was not accepted into the service. He moved to Bremmerton, Wash., where he worked as a pipefitter in the Navy shipyards.
After the war was over, Bob moved back to St. Edward where he worked as a mechanic. His brother Charlie had moved to the east coast and in 1950 he got Bob a job with the Lakehurst, N. J., Naval Air Base where they worked on all of the air base upholstery. Bob later served as a carpenter on the base until his retirement in 1980 after 30 years of civil service.
He moved to a farm northeast of Madrid, Neb., where he lived next to his brother, Billy Cooper. Bob was taken to the Good Samaritan Hospital for surgery in Kearney, Neb., last week and died at the hospital early Sunday morning, Feb. 20, 2005. He had reached the age of 82.
Bob was still an active bowler at the time of his death and he always enjoyed a good game of cards.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Leetha Griffin and Rose Barber; one brother, Ralph Cooper.
Bob is survived by three brothers, Charlie and wife Amy of Ogallala, Neb.; Billy of rural Madrid, and Ed and wife Bev of Fremont, Neb.; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Madrid United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Haden officiating.
Music was by Carol Robertson and Karri Rogge. Casket bearers were Chuck Cooper, Tim Cooper, Tracy Cooper, Stonie Cooper and Toby Cooper and Tim Mc-Queen. Burial was in the Madrid Cemetery.
Bullock Long Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
William Lawrence Moller
William "Bill" Lawrence Moller, 83, longtime resident and businessman of North Platte, Neb., died Feb. 14, 2005 at his home.
He was born Dec. 21, 1921 in Grant, Neb., to Carl and Laura Nissen Moller. He graduated from Grant High School. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1942 and was in one of the first classes for cadet training at Lee Bird Field in North Platte. He became an Aviation Pilot First Class, a pilot instructor and was awarded the American Theatre WWII Victory Medal.
After serving his country, he became a foreman for the Paul Ridder Ranch in Callaway, Neb.
When he moved to North Platte, he owned and operated Moller Real Estate and Insurance, retiring in 1984.
On Nov. 16, 1984 he married Sharon Keithley in Cozad, Neb.
Mr. Moller was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church since 1958 and held many offices within the church. He was active in many clubs and organizations such as the Eagles Aerie No. 2839, the Coyotes Club and was past president of the Lyons Club. He enjoyed playing bridge, golfing and fishing in Canada with his buddies.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Moller.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon; two daughters, Margaret and husband David Sanderson of Roscoe, Ill., and Anne and husband Larry McCoy of Talequah, Okla.; three stepdaughters, Deborah Keithley of Bakersfield, Calif., Leisa and husband Don Klinge of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kristine and husband Paul Schwager of North Platte; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 18, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte.
Burial was in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Neb., with military honors graveside.
A memorial has been established in his memory.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel was in charge of services.
Ruth Freeman Frey
Ruth Freeman Frey, age 87, passed away Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005 at her home in San Carlos, Calif.
She was born Aug. 29, 1917 and was a 1936 Perkins County High School graduate.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard. She is survived by one son, Larry and wife Emma Frey; and daughter Brenda and husband, Mike, all of San Carlos.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Doris Freeman of Chappell, Neb.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Feb. 17 in San Carlos.
Frank Hermann
Frank Hermann was born on Sept. 26, 1935 on a ranch located in rural northwest South Dakota. He was the second of four children born to Adolph and Irma Dittmer Hermann. Frank was baptized as an infant at the Lutheran Church in White Butte, S.D., on Dec. 16, 1951. He attended country school and later graduated from Lemmon High School in 1953.
After high school Frank attended Colorado State University in Ft. Collins where he graduated in 1957. Frank was part of the Army ROTC program while in college and spent time at Ft. Sill in Oklahoma and Ft. Benning in Georgia in 1959 and 1960 where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant.
Frank had met Yvonne Schroeder while attending college and they were married on Sept. 10, 1956 in Venango, Neb. After his discharge from the service in 1960 they moved to the Schroeder farm just east of Venango where they spent their entire married life.
When Frank and Yvonne first moved to Venango, in addition to his farming and cattle feeding, Frank helped measure land for the Perkins County ASCS office. Frank and Yvonne had spent their last four winters at the Blackrock RV Village located southwest of Phoenix.
He had developed a malignancy a couple of years ago and had surgery the first week in February at the Del E. Webb Memorial Hospital in Sun City West, Ariz., where he died Wednesday evening, Feb. 9, 2005. He had reached the age of 69.
Frank had always been active in the Venango community. In addition to following his children's activities while they were growing up, he had served on the Venango Co-op Elevator Board for many years where he had served as president. He served on the Venango School Board and was an active member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he had served as the church treasurer for 20 years.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Terry, who died in 1987.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; one daughter, Nanette and her husband Mark Taylor of Lincoln, Neb.; one son, Brian of rural Venango; three grandchildren, Katie, Travis and Lauren Taylor; one sister, Rosemary and her husband Fred Ackerman of Frederick, Md.; two brothers, Wilmer and his wife Betty of Yorkville, Ill., and Roger of Bozeman, Mont.; his god child, Jacque Triplette of North Platte, Neb.; other relatives and friends.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 14, 2005 at the Grant Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Alan Borcher of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Venango, officiating. Music was provided by organist, Judy Kurkowski and soloist, Pastor John Larson. Casket bearers were Loren Ebke, Mitch Ellison, Jim LaBau, Bruce Marquardt, Dave Peterson and Jerry Taylor. Interment was in the Venango Cemetery with military tribute by the Venango Legion.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Reverend Orvaleen L. Post
The Reverend Orvaleen L. Post, 82, Geuda Springs, died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005 at the Presbyterian Manor Health Care Unit.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Mount Hope United Methodist Church.
Burial will follow at the Luka Cemetery in Luka, Kan. The Reverend Michael Roberts will officiate.
Orvaleen was born Nov. 13, 1922 in rural Luka to Orval B. and Ermal M (Tillery) Parker. She graduated from Byers High School in Byers, Kan., at the age of 15. In 1940 she married Robert Harold Pritchett. The couple lived and farmed in the Luka area until his death in 1963. Orvaleen stayed on the farm and worked as a bookkeeper in the Pratt area. In 1970, she married Bill Post and moved to Geuda Springs. She worked at Cowley County Community College, and as a lay minister at the Grandview United Methodist Church.
Orvaleen also served at St. Paul's (Ark City), Geuda Springs, Mount Hope, South Haven and Wellington United Methodist Churches during her 20 year career in the ministry. She attended Southwestern College of Winfield, and later St. Paul's School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo., where she received her ordination in the United Methodist Church.
In 1986, Orvaleen was chosen "Kansas Mother of the Year," She was a member of the United Methodist Women, the V.F.W. Auxiliary, and the American Mothers, Inc. She was a woman of faith dedicated to Christ, a life-long learner, admired and loved. Her smile brightened the life of all who knew her. Her example and influence will live on in the lives of her family and friends.
Survivors include her husband Bill of the home; four sons, Larry and wife Marlene Pritchett of Grant, Neb., Craig and wife Peggy of Lorena, Texas, Monte and wife Benja Pritchett of Gatesville, Texas, John and wife Kathy Post of Tulsa; one daughter Rita Pritchett of Wilmore, Ky; four brothers Pat and Ramon Parker of Luka, Bob Parker of Wichita, and Bill Parker of Pratt; one sister Wanda Thompson of Rogers, Ark.; eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Harold, and a brother Dwane.
Memorials have been established with the Mount Hope United Methodist Church, The Parkinson's Disease Foundation, or to a charity of the giver's choice.
Arrangements are being made through the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Robert Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home
